Move over, traditional career guides. In an era where jobs can involve managing virtual economies, designing sustainable cities, or programming artificial intelligence, the classic career path isn’t kids’ only option. For the next generation navigating a world of limitless career possibilities, the well-meaning advice to “follow your passion” can feel overwhelming without a map. Now, a wave of adults with truly fascinating jobs are throwing that map wide open. They’re stepping out of their labs, studios, and field sites to share the real, unfiltered career advice they wish they’d had – not just about how to land the job, but how to build a life of curiosity, resilience and purpose. This is more than career day; it’s a mentorship movement designed to inspire the innovators, problem-solver,s and dreamers of tomorrow.

Search the keyword #careerday to find more articles like this.

What’s your name, and give us the Elevator Pitch about your job.

My name is MJ Wang. As a Partner at WildChina, we specialize in turning the impossible into possible. Our focus is on designing high-end, experiential travel and corporate events that create meaningful cross-cultural connections for global leaders, from Fortune 500 companies to government delegations, helping them elevate their relationship networks and life-changing experiences.

Could you walk me through a typical day or week in your role? What are your primary responsibilities?

A typical week involves consulting with senior executives to design bespoke programs—from large-scale investor summits to executive exchange missions. A blend of high-level strategy and hands-on project management. My primary responsibilities include:
Client Strategy: Consulting with senior executives to design bespoke programs, from large-scale investor summits and executive exchanges to intimate VIP retreats.
Creative Direction: Leading my team in the thoughtful design of program content, ensuring every detail contributes to the client’s strategic goals.

Cross-Cultural Leadership: Managing the complexities of multinational and multicultural projects, coordinating with local partners across the globe to ensure seamless execution.
Business Development: Nurturing long-term relationships with our portfolio of global clients and exploring new opportunities, especially in supporting Chinese enterprises in their overseas expansion.

What is the most rewarding or fulfilling part of your work? What problems do you get to solve? On the flip side, what are the most significant challenges or stressful aspects of your job?

The most fulfilling part is seeing the tangible impact of our work in creating life-changing experiences. The core problem we solve is fostering genuine human connection across cultures. When a large-scale event we’ve orchestrated successfully strengthens a client’s global network, or when we facilitate a deep cultural insight for an executive team, that is incredibly rewarding.

The most significant challenge is inherent in our mission: managing the complexity of these high-stakes, logistically intricate projects. Orchestrating events for over 500 – 1000 participants across different countries and cultures, while aligning the expectations of diverse stakeholders, requires meticulous planning and a calm demeanor under pressure. It truly tests our philosophy of turning the impossible into possible every single day.

How did you get to where you are today? You can talk about your educational route, pivotal moments, unplanned detours, and any other decisions that you find important.

My career path diverges from the conventional trajectory, as I moved to Beijing to pursue opportunities after high school. I have held various frontline positions in hospitality and sales roles, where I gained substantial hands-on, detailed operational experience. My career progressed significantly when I assumed the role of Personal Assistant to a senior executive at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which marked the beginning of my formal professional development. A key decision was taking on an executive leadership role for the China region at Chin-Eaes Corp in 2009, which honed my strategic management skills. Joining WildChina allowed me to synthesize these experiences, initially as a “Business Architect” focused on designing solutions, before growing into the Partner role. Beyond my corporate work, co-founding Chi Fan for Charity over 17 years ago has been a crucial part of my journey, grounding my work in social impact. To continue expanding my perspective, I am currently pursuing an MBA at UCL, blending academic rigor with real-world leadership.

Knowing what you know now, if you could go back and give one piece of advice to your teenage self about work and life, what would it be?

I would advise my younger self to trust the value of diverse experiences and deep relationships. Don’t be in a rush to climb a linear ladder. Every role, especially the hands-on ones, teaches you something invaluable. The service philosophy I learned early on became the bedrock of my career. Similarly, the relationships you build—with clients, partners, and your community—are your most valuable asset. They lead to opportunities you can’t foresee and create a network of support that makes the challenging journey not just successful, but also meaningful. The last one is: Be helpful to others in many ways!

Images: Courtesy of MJ

As the days get colder and many people look toward another holiday season away from loved ones in their home countries, we find ourselves even more in need of the traditions that feed our souls and support our adopted home. Chi Fan For Charity (CFFC) is one of those traditions. Once a year the Beijing food community comes together as restaurants donate tables and patrons vie for the privilege of eating at them all in the spirit of giving back to those less fortunate.

Beijing Foodie Queen and CFFC board member Anna Lourenco told me: “CFFC is a fantastic chance for those who want to try local restaurants and help those in need. Where else can you try new places and donate to charity while doing it?”

But not everyone manages to score a table. However, everyone can and should take part in the epic lucky draw raffle.

Preston Thomas, the president of the CFFC board, shares: “CFFC has been around for over a decade now. Besides the dinners, the raffle is a super important way to help fund these charities. Everyone is struggling now but it’s even worse for those that literally have nothing. Dig deep and support and you might win one of the RMB 200,000 in prizes.”

Each ticket is an opportunity to win a local experience or service like a dinner at TRB’s much-anticipated newest restaurant Fork, cookies from beloved baker Cammymade, a tour with Lost Plate or vouchers for expat favorite places like Cheers of Blissful.

There are over 118 fantastic prizes, like staycations at all of the Jing’s most elite hotels, including but not limited to NUO, Shangri-la, Eclat, and the Four Seasons.

This year all proceeds will be going to not one but three deserving charities: Agape Family House, One School and From Our Eyes. These local programs help orphans with special needs, educate rural students and work to preserve China’s beautiful culture through sustainable means. But they need your help. With fewer expats in the city ticket sales are much less than in previous years. Last year over RMB 18,000 was raised from raffle tickets alone and every yuan counts.

Camilla Kongshavn has volunteered to manage the raffle for several years and she spends months of her precious time organizing, recruiting and selling tickets. Camilla explains: “CFFC brings communities together, to give for the purpose of bettering the well-being of local charities in need. It’s a beautiful way of giving back a little something and add another meaningful purpose to one’s life. Supporting the event has a life-changing impact on thousands of people, for the charity beneficiaries as well as those supporting. … It adds value to everyone’s life in some way.”

Despite all the difficulties expat life in China presents we are still lucky and well provided for. As we head into a season that is about counting our blessings and moving towards a brighter world let’s remember that we have a responsibility to those in need. A small donation could net you a big karmic kickback in the form of a 4-star meal or first-class staycation, and it will definitely provide warm fuzzy feelings!

Don’t miss out, sales end on Saturday the 12th! To purchase raffle tickets scan the QR code below.

KEEP READING: Worth the Wait: CFFC After Party!

Images: Pexels, CFFC

When Zhang Yuxi grows up, he wants to join the Special Forces in the military, because, in his words, “they protect people.” He may be only in Grade 3 now, but he has already started taking small steps towards realising his dream, for example by reading more than 100 books in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series (the original edition has more than 1,500 pages) and running every day. His confidence is clear on video, and I’m not surprised to learn he is a leo, born in the Year of the Snake.

A child of Mongolia, Yuxi is one of the primary school students currently studying at Dandelion School, the first and only school for low-income migrant families in Beijing. Established in August 2005, it is a non-profit and charitable educational institution located in Daxing. Originally a middle school, Dandelion recently expanded to include primary school students around 7-9 years old, in March of this year. The school’s students are migrant children from more than 20 provinces around China, mostly Hebei and Henan.

Dandelion’s purpose is to achieve equality and excellency in education and secure a bright future for this marginalised group of children. The school is credited “AAAAA,” which is the highest rating of business management achievable for non-profit organizations. Dandelion also provides support to school students who face financial challenges. Every year, they waive the tuition fee of nearly 10 percent of their student body according to their family income level. In some cases, when a parent is stricken with severe sickness, the school may even help connect them with potential donors to give extra support.

Beyond government funding, the school enlists corporate and individual support to provide quality education and nurture good character in their students. Dandelion can only achieve its success through a long-term approach to encouraging physical, intellectual and emotional growth, by discovering and developing their students’ potential, and by building lifelong learning habits in students. Only then can their graduates go out and make the world a better place, like how 9-year-old Yuxi hopes to join the military forces and protect people.

We have a great opportunity to help this child realize his dream, and to support Dandelion School’s noble cause, all while standing the chance of winning some attractive prizes! This year, for the third time, Dandelion School was carefully selected from more than 12 charities to be the recipient of Chi Fan For Charity (CFFC) fundraiser. Tickets may be sold out but you and I can still join in the fun by purchasing raffle tickets at the CFFC Raffle! I myself am gunning for the top two prizes – a week-long cruise to Sanya and a private guided tour of Guilin – but there are plenty of prizes to go around. Check out the full list here, and don’t forget there will be 216 winners, so those are some good odds!

KEEP READING: Chifan For Charity: Filling Bellies and Hearts Since 2009

Images: Courtesy of Dandelion School, CFFC 

The annual Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) on November 9 is almost here and there’s only a few seats left just waiting to be snapped up. Take part in a night of dining for a cause, followed by an epic party at one of Beijing’s trendiest hotels. All the money raised on the evening will go directly to Bethel China. Bethel is a training center for blind and visually impaired children established in 2003, and since its founding has cared for over 300 kids and assisted with over 130 adoptions. The estimated RMB 400,000 in funds expected to be raised from this year’s CFFC event will go towards two specific Bethel initiatives:

• Scholarships for low-income families whose blind or visually impaired children would otherwise be unable to attend Bethel’s programs, which teach Braille, daily living skills, mobility, and music. The CFFC funds would be able to subsidize the education of 11 students for a full academic year.
• Four separate family training sessions outside of Beijing, which counsel groups of families unable to send their children to Bethel, which is located in the Fangshan district of Beijing. The training, which aims to reach 200 families, focuses on teaching them on how to care for their blind children.

Here’s the perfect restaurant for the Shunyi crowd. Doko started as a healthy meal delivery service catering to many of Beijing’s international schools. With mouthwatering photos on social media and a vault of healthy delicious recipes, they’ve grown into a chain restaurant with the love and support of the local community.

Doko’s latest concept is all about making tasty, healthy meals that gives classic southeast Asian flavors a healthy fusion spin. High in protein and low in calories, their signature bowls and salads have been the go-to options for those of us looking to shed a few pounds without sacrificing the chance for a delicious meal.

For this year’s CFFC, Doko has put together a healthy Thai-inspired menu for the whole table to share before heading over to the afterparty at Chao Hotel.

Menu to Share:

• Phuket Style Coconut Tom Yum Goong
• Cucumber Crab Salad
• 
Green Papaya Salad with Crushed Peanuts
• Sashimi Platter
• Three Delicious Sushi Rolls: Volcano Roll, Autumn Roll, Crispy Crunch Roll
• Lemongrass Grilled Chicken
• Whole Steamed Sea Bass with Fresh Thai Limes
• Pandan Leaf Wrapped Chicken
• Bangkok Style Spicy Stir-Fried Pork Mince
• 
Beef Brisket Yellow Curry
• Thai Pineapple Rice
• 
Mango Sticky Rice

To drink: 
Two glasses of wine / soft drinks per person.

At the end of the meal every guest dining at Doko will receive a special mystery surprise. While they haven’t let us in on the surprise, they have described it as something that’ll “leave you talking about it for the entire night!”

For those who don’t live in Shunyi, fret not. There are still three restaurants left that are offering individual seats.

Miam Miam
A translation of “yummy” in French, Miam Miam serves up food that is approachable, hearty, and above all else, delicious. Inspired by Europe’s bustling and vibrant food markets, Miam Miam is a gastronomic hub featuring a diverse array of food stalls and live chefs where diners can meet and share a meal.

Ganges Lido
Ganges Indian Restaurant is coming up on 15 years in Beijing, and if you’re not already a regular then it’s time you visited for a taste of authentic Indian cuisine.

Tribe
Since 2014 Tribe has been an award-winning organic café/restaurant offering tasty, healthy food in Beijing and Shanghai. This year’s Tribe’s Fitness & Health Enthusiasts theme table will be hosted by director of BActive 24H Fitness Sanlitun, Ankit Nayal.

Photos: CFFC, Doko, unsplash

Monday is the big day – time to throw your hat into the ring to become a host with the most at Chi Fan for Charity 2019!

To date, 59 top restaurants across the city have donated tables of 10 for the evening of Nov 9 for the 11th anniversary of what amounts to Beijing’s top charity social occasion, where the city’s movers and shakers dine out for a good cause.

Sign up to host and show some Beijingers the best night of their life, all for charity

Who would not want to dine on amazing food with nine awesome guests and enjoy a free-flow blow-out afterparty… and see all the money donated to charity?

This year, their charity recipient is Bethel, a Beijing-based training center for blind and visually impaired children established in 2003. Since its founding, Bethel has cared for over 300 kids and assisted with over 130 adoptions.

Bethel has been helping blind children and adults in Beijing since 2003

On Monday, bidding opens for those who would like to be among the Chosen Few. There could not be a simpler way to earn karma points, demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility or simply have a great time and know you’re helping those less fortunate in the process.

Here’s a preview of how it will work:

• Step 1: Sign up! You’ll be asked to pay a deposit and rank your five most desired restaurants, in order. Remember there is a high demand for table hosting, so you’ll need to be quick!
• Step 2: On Oct 9, they’ll assign tables using an algorithm that gives you the best chance of getting your highest-ranked restaurant. Virtually everyone will get one of their top five, but if in the off chance they are unable to place you in one of the top five, they will contact you to offer an alternative choice.
• Step 3: An invoice will be issued for the balance due for your table, which you will have 48 hours to clear.
• Step 4: You will be introduced to your point of contact at the restaurant, who will be holding your event programs and wristbands, which get you into the afterparty.

Then: gather your guests and enjoy!

The evening will conclude with all of the parties coming together at Sanlitun’s swish Chao Hotel

Your dinner will be followed by a massive all-you-can-drink afterparty at the Chao Hotel. All diners get in free, where you will drink, dance, and partake in an instant raffle (none of this bogus stage nonsense with an emcee shouting “Number 23112! Who has 23112? Anyone? Last call!”) and bid on premium items in our silent auction. So keep an eye out on the night!

Interested in hosting, or have additional questions? Contact their Table Hosts’ Director Kit via WeChat (ID: kitcrisp) or via email chifanforcharity@outlook.com.

READ: Donate Your Time to Put a Smile on a Child’s Face

Photos: Unsplash, courtesy of Chi Fan for Charity

Six charities chosen from the list of 16 applicants for the 2019 Chi Fan for Charity proceeds are preparing to present to the organizing committee on Apr 27, who will then select this year’s recipient (last year’s selected charity, Educating Girls of Rural China, is pictured above).

READ: Fifteen Deserving Students Set to Have Uni Covered by Chi Fan for Charity ‘18 Funds

Charities were given three weeks to submit bids to receive the money from the annual fundraiser that takes place in 60 restaurants across Beijing.

The 11-person organizing committee received 16 applications in total. Each was evaluated and ranked based on a set of criteria that included the measurable impact of the charity and its mission. From this, each committee member selected a list of their favorites, and the results were tabulated.

The six top-ranked charities were then invited to pitch finer details on their plans at a meeting scheduled this Saturday, Apr 27.

After hearing all six pitches, the committee will select the official recipient(s) of this year’s funds to be raised Nov 9.

Here’s a look at our six finalists:

Beijing Green Sunshine Foundation
Beijing Green Sunshine Foundation is a community-based organization promoting ecological and sustainable development and wildlife conservation. They are seeking funding for a local native education project in Wudaoyingzi Primary School in Luanping County, Hebei Province, only 4km from the boundary with Beijing. The project will help 167 students from 3-12 years old and their 26 teachers; the villagers living in close proximity will also be impacted.

Beijing Hidden Treasures Charity Foundation
The mission of Beijing Hidden Treasures is to provide love, support, and protection for children with disabilities so that they can grow up healthily and happily. They help these at-risk, special-needs orphans who were abandoned simply because they were born with special needs. They also provide therapy training within China by providing seminars, lectures, and other resources to some of their partnering children’s welfare Institutes. They will be using the funds for their Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village.

Beijing HOZON Public Welfare Development Center
HOZON is dedicated to the construction of an exchange platform for volunteer services in China, which will help to achieve interconnected volunteer services nationwide. Moreover, they are working to make volunteer service become a way of people’s life. They endeavor to raise more than RMB 1 million for children and mothers in China SOS Children’s Villages in Tianjin, Yantai, Qiqihar, Nanchang, Kaifeng, Chengdu, Putian, Urumqi, and Lhasa. The funds will be used for orphans’ living, medical, and general life expenses in the villages.

Bethel China
Bethel’s mission is to empower children who are blind or visually impaired and their caregivers by providing high-quality care, education, life skills, and livelihood opportunities through foster care and school projects. The funding from Chi Fan for Charity would support the education of 15 scholarship students and the training of 40 families, having a total estimated impact of training over 220 families.

China Dolls Center for Rare Disorders
China Dolls works together with and for people living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (a genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily, also known as ‘brittle bone disease’) and their families, through peer supports, multi-actor engagement, public education, medical research, multidisciplinary treatment, health, and education policy advocacy. Funding would go in part to their Holistic Rehabilitation Project, which focuses on people with rare disorders and their families, especially those with OI. Funds would also be dedicated to their Rehabilitation Marathon which works alongside domestic and international medical experts to hold medical rounds in 3-4 provincial hospitals every year. Lastly, they would also direct some of the funds to their Rehabilitation Camp, which is for children with OI and their families. The camp includes workshops on rehabilitation, psychology, and hydrotherapy, and parent-child activities.

Chunhui Children’s Foundation
Chunhui Children exists to bring consistent and professional care to children who lack family love, serving orphaned children in welfare institutions and children left behind by migrant parents in rural areas. By offering these children responsive care and education, Chunhui Children aims to unleash their hidden potential and help them progress in all areas of development. Chunhui Funds would be used to provide professional medical services to help orphaned children receive quality care and nurturing in Beijing.

The CFFC selection meeting takes place this Saturday, Apr 27. We’ll update you with news of the lucky candidate once a consensus has been reached. In the meantime, follow Chi Fan for Charity here:

Photos courtesy of CFFC

Fresh off the success of 2018’s banner Chi Fan for Charity event, the event’s organizing committee is already working to make CFFC 2019 even more spectacular.

The first step in the planning of this annual gathering of foodies across town is to select a charity recipient for the hundreds of thousands of RMB raised each year.

CFFC’s commitment is to make the selection process transparent and simple and to make sure as close to 100 percent of the money raised goes directly towards a tangible result that makes a genuine difference.

A fabulous afterparty traditionally caps off the CFFC fundraising evening

Any charitable organization operating in China can apply for the estimated RMB 400,000 in donations to be earmarked for one of their projects.

Have one in mind? Send CFFC their contact details and a brief message as to why you feel they are deserving to chifanforcharity@outlook.com and they’ll be sent an application form – or access the application directly via this URL.

Diners descend upon 60+ Beijing restaurants around town to raise money for charity

Applications should be received by 5pm on Monday, Apr 15.

A shortlist of five charities will then be selected to make 10-minute presentations to the committee on Saturday, Apr 27. On that date, a final charity will be selected.

This year’s Chi Fan for Charity target date is Saturday, Nov 9, and you can keep tabs on announcements by following their official WeChat account here:

Last year’s recipients, Educating Girls of Rural China, used the RMB 400,000-plus donation they received to fund college education for young women who otherwise would not be able to afford it.

“With the great work from CFFC, we will be able to support 15 to 16 students for their four years of university,” said Candice Zhao, chairman of EGRC’s Beijing executive committee and director of operations.

Further questions? Like to volunteer for this year’s organizing committee? Message them at chifanforchairty@outlook.com and they’ll endeavor to get back to you as soon as possible.

Photos courtesy of Chi Fan for Charity

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Pauline’s Cuisine: When Life Gives You Lemons, Nov 6
When life gives you lemons, lemonade is just the beginning of the delicious things you can make. Learn all about the magical citrus fruit, the lemon, with Pauline’s Cuisine on Tuesday, November 6. You’ll make and eat roasted lemon chicken, citrus couscous salad, courgette flatbread, lemon curd, and parfait. Adults. RMB 420. 10am-1pm. V-Etiquette. (WeChat ID: paulus155)

Hello Future Conversations: Family First Steps to Zero Waste, Nov 8
Hello Future Kindergarten’s monthly Conversation series aims to inspire and educate parents towards creating a meaningful family life. This session is for parents who have been thinking about starting the journey towards producing less trash, but wondering how to start with the added ‘Beijing’ challenges. Adults. Free but registration required. 9.30-11.30am. Hello Future Kindergarten. (130 7116 2353, beclamb@yahoo.com)

Honk Jr. Musical at ISB, Nov 8-10
Honk Jr. is an award-winning, family-friendly musical based on the classic story of the Ugly Duckling, celebrating what makes each one unique and truly special. Produced and directed by Hannah Northcott and choreographed by PJ Rebullida. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. Show dates: Nov 8 (4 PM), Nov 9 (6:30 PM), Nov 10 (2:00 PM). International School of Beijing. (Hannah Northcott: 186 1083 0067, hnorthcott@isb.bj.edu.cn)

Miss Plus Size Global Beijing, Nov 9-10
Prepare for a big weekend on November 9-10 as Ms. Plus Size Global Beijing holds two “Plus Size” events: a pageant featuring 12 international ladies, and a concert with a performance from 4ThirtyTwo Curvy Girl Dance Group. Adults. RMB 500 (concert and pageant), RMB 220 (concert only), RMB 380 (pageant). 7.30pm. Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast. (151 0151 7496)

Celebrate Diwali at Ganges Wudaokou, Nov 9
Celebrate the Diwali Festival at Ganges Indian Restaurant Wudaokou on November 9, with an exclusive Indian buffet, dancing and a fun Indian music playlist for the evening. From RMB 88. 6pm. Ganges Indian Restaurant.

Punjabi Indian Restaurant and Cultural Center Diwali Celebration, Nov 10
Celebrate Diwali at Punjabi Indian Restaurant and Cultural Centre. Enjoy a special buffet with over 20 dishes, free-flow drinks, professional DJs mixing Bollywood beats, and specials for teachers and students. RMB 150 (advance); RMB 200 (at the door). 7pm. Punjabi Indian Restaurant.

Chi Fan for Charity 2018, Nov 10
The beneficiary of this year’s Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) citywide event is Educating Girls of Rural China (EGRC), a China-based Canadian charity established in 2005 which provides higher education to financially-challenged women from rural parts of the country. They will use CFFC funds to sponsor 10 female students to finish their four-year university education within the greater Beijing area. Adults. For more details about the participating venues and prices, contact chifanforcharity@outlook.com.

The Global Youth Leadership Summit, Nov 10
This summit will help your students develop their own personal vision for leadership and to make a plan to impact the world. Students will spend time in reflection groups for discussion and insight, and will participate in a special activity that will heighten their awareness of the needs of others, particularly those in less developed parts of the world. All ages. RMB 50. Visit this page for more info. 9am-5pm. Hope International School.

Little Chefs at Domain: Thanksgiving Apple Pies, Nov 10/17
Join Domain’s weekend kids cooking classes and enjoy quality time with your family. Every class includes a glass of free juice for the kids. In this series, learn to make mini apple pies to celebrate American Thanksgiving. All ages. RMB 168. 2pm. Domain.

Beijing Beatles Family Show, Nov 10
The Beijing Beatles will perform a very special live concert for families at Jianghu on November 10. Founded 10 years ago, The Beijing Beatles is a band specializing in Beatles repertoire. The Beijing Beatles have played all over China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and North Korea. Their show is a real rock concert that brings a genuine taste of the 60’s British music scene. Costumes and wigs add a touch of fun. All ages. RMB 60 (under six); RMB 80. 4pm. Jianghu Bar.

Lova Weddings En Pointe Collection Preview, Nov 10
Lova Weddings’ award-winning bridal collections combine Scandinavian purity with glamorous sophistication. Preview the latest creations of designer Lovisa Tedestedt at this high fashion event. Adults. RSVP required. 10am-11pm. Lova Weddings. (156 1179 4160).

InkBeat Arts Creative Workshops, Nov 11/25
InkBeat Arts’ Creative Workshops are for students who want to develop creative skills through self-expression. The workshops are delivered in English and Chinese for students ages 8-18 and are led by experts in creative writing, drama, visual art, art therapy, design, architecture, and dance. In these workshops, students will find their own voice, gain self-understanding, and feel empowered through self-expression. Ages 8-18. Contact InkBeat Arts for pricing and registration details. 2-3.30pm. Crossboundaries. (185 1979 1662, simon@beijingyouthlit.com)

Mindful Mothers, all Wed of the month
To honor motherhood is to recognize and celebrate its beauty and vastness. The Mindful Mother meditation series consists of three maternal meditations that focus on rejuvenating the woman’s body, mind, and spirit. Whether you are a first-time expecting mother or a mother of many years, it is essential to maintain your energy and life balance. Join a community of mothers who desire to renew their life source from within. Adults. RMB 150 (register here). 10-11.30am. Beijing Mindfulness Centre.

Photos: Courtesy of Miss Plus Size Global (featured photo) and event organizers

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Dulwich College Beijing’s First Student-Led Enterprise Fair, Nov 3
The first Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) Enterprise Fair on November 3 will feature a range of local entrepreneurs, startups, and self-starters including student businesses. Year 11 STEM students of DCB lead the fair, which is focused around design and enterprise. All ages. 10am-4pm. Dulwich College Beijing.

Comedy Club China Presents: Comedy for Charity, Nov 3
Comedy Club China presents an evening dedicated to mental health awareness. Comedy for Charity features a truly impressive line-up of acts from Comedy Club China, and there will be more than RMB 30,000 in prizes and activities throughout the evening. All proceeds of the event go to Lifeline Shanghai, a non-profit social entity providing the only English-speaking crisis, helpline and online chat service across China. Adults. RMB 80 (entrance ticket + small surcharge). Raffle tickets at RMB 20 (buy 5 get 1 free). 8pm. The Local.

A Magical Halloween Awaits at Renaissance Beijing, until Nov 3
BLD Café of Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel turns into a mysterious coven of witches, where kids can learn magic and perform tricks. The cafe has prepared a Halloween-themed buffet to fill up the kids’ magical power, and there are even more surprises and discounts on their journey to becoming a real wizard! Put on a pointy hat and grab a flying broom for this experience that’s very different from the usual Halloween dinner buffets. All ages. RMB 218 per person, RMB 318 per family (2 adults, 1 child under 12). 5.30-10pm. Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel.

Go Nuts! Naked Team up With Feast for One Nutty Brunch, Nov 3
Feast (Food by EAST) has teamed up with the ladies behind Beijing-based all natural nut butter experts NAKED Nut Butters for a special weekend brunch. Join them for a special brunch that is sure to be nutty (in more ways than you can imagine), and treat yourself to some guilt free sweets while meeting the nut butter founders! All ages. RMB 298 (includes free-flow selected drinks). 11.30am-3pm. Feast at EAST Beijing. 

Hello Future Conversations: Family First Steps to Zero Waste, Nov 8
Hello Future Kindergarten’s monthly Conversation series aims to inspire and educate parents towards creating a meaningful family life. This session is for parents who have been thinking about starting the journey towards producing less trash, but wondering how to start with the added ‘Beijing’ challenges. Adults. Free but registration required. 9.30-11.30am. Hello Future Kindergarten. (130 7116 2353, beclamb@yahoo.com)

Honk Jr. Musical at ISB, Nov 8-10
Honk Jr. is an award-winning, family-friendly musical based on the classic story of the Ugly Duckling, celebrating what makes each one unique and truly special. Produced and directed by Hannah Northcott and choreographed by PJ Rebullida. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. Show dates: Nov 8 (4 PM), Nov 9 (6:30 PM), Nov 10 (2:00 PM). International School of Beijing. (Hannah Northcott: 186 1083 0067, hnorthcott@isb.bj.edu.cn)

Chi Fan for Charity 2018, Nov 10
The beneficiary of this year’s Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) citywide event is Educating Girls of Rural China (EGRC), a China-based Canadian charity established in 2005 which provides higher education to financially-challenged women from rural parts of the country. They will use CFFC funds to sponsor 10 female students to finish their four-year university education within the greater Beijing area. Adults. For more details about the participating venues and prices, contact chifanforcharity@outlook.com.

Ms. Plus Size International Beijing, Nov 9-10
Prepare for a big weekend on November 9-10 as Ms. Plus Size International Beijing holds two “Plus Size” events: a pageant featuring 12 international ladies, and a concert with a performance from 4ThirtyTwo Curvy Girl Dance Group. Adults. RMB 500 (concert and pageant), RMB 220 (concert only), RMB 380 (pageant). 7.30pm. Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast. (151 0151 7496)

InkBeat Arts Creative Workshops, Nov 11/25, Dec 9
InkBeat Arts’ Creative Workshops are for students who want to develop creative skills through self-expression. The workshops are delivered in English and Chinese for students ages 8-18 and are led by experts in creative writing, drama, visual art, art therapy, design, architecture, and dance. In these workshops, students will find their own voice, gain self-understanding, and feel empowered through self-expression. Ages 8-18. Contact InkBeat Arts for pricing and registration details. 2-3.30pm. Crossboundaries. (185 1979 1662, simon@beijingyouthlit.com)

3e Tea Talk: How to Better Communicate within Family Relationships, Nov 14
This 3e International School workshop helps parents understand communication within their family group (husband/ wife, with our parents, with our kids) and learn how to better communicate with them. Attendees will learn how to recognize their own and other personalities and understand communication tools in order to have better relationships with them. Adults. Free admission. 1.30-3pm. 3e International School. (community@3einternationalschool.org)

The 2018 British Business Awards, Nov 15
Join the best of British business at the Gala Awards Dinner for the 2018 British Business Awards on November 15. The pinnacle of the British business calendar will see nine awards presented to those companies and individuals who best showcase excellence in innovation, enterprise, and endeavor in the British and Chinese business communities. Tickets include a champagne reception, canapés and a four course meal, as well as seats at an awards ceremony that only takes place in Beijing every four years. Adults. RMB 1,000. 6-9pm. Intercontinental Beijing Sanlitun.

TNT Britain: Macbeth Theatre Performance, Nov 18
One of the most psychologically profound of Shakespeare’s plays, Macbeth weaves a tale of ambition and conscience, charting the career of Macbeth, the once-brilliant hero who became a cruel tyrant. It has been presented by the British TNT Troupe across 31 countries. A must-see for drama lovers, this is also a lively tutorial for English learners. All ages. RMB 280 per person. 7-10pm. TheArt Drama Centre, Shunyi. (WeChat ID: Rita-8090w, 188 1312 5882, 1692391223@qq.com)

Environmental Week Artwork Show at Ivy Bilingual School, Nov 23
Ivy Bilingual School Ocean Express Campus holds an artwork show on November 23, which showcases students’ creativity in turning waste materials into something valuable. All ages. Free but registration needed. 2-4pm. Ivy Bilingual School Ocean Express Campus. (8446 7286, wenwen.gao@ivyschools.com)

BSB Shunyi Secondary Production: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Nov 30-Dec 1
Come and see this musical performed by The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi’s Secondary students. A car called Chitty comes into their lives and becomes a factory of dreams and their most trusty ally. All ages. RMB 100 (adults), RMB 65 (kids). Performance schedules: Nov 30 (Fri) at 7pm; Dec 1 (Sat) at 2pm and 7pm. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi. (8047 3588, marketing@bsbshunyi.com)

Gone with the Wind the Musical (English Version), Nov 30, Dec 1-2, Dec 4-5
This is the world premiere of the English musical, Gone with the Wind, based on the original French musical Autant emporte le Vent. This version stars Rachel Gold, who also played the leading lady in the musical Phantom of the Opera. This musical presents a time racked by the tumult of war, telling a heart-wrenching romantic epic, in which a girl never surrenders to life’s challenges and grows to be a woman. Adults. RMB 180-1,000. 7.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Theater.

3e Library Story Time, all Tue of Nov
3e International School invites children 1-3 years old to join the weekly “Library Story Time” at the 3e Anne K. Soderman library, where they can find many volumes in Chinese and English and a growing number of books in international languages, appropriate for pre-elementary children. The 3e Library Story Time sessions provide the opportunity for children and parents/ grandparents to read books, play with puzzles, and listen to stories in English and Chinese. Note that registration is a must to be able to join the session. Ages 1-3. RMB 50 per child per session. 10-11am. 3e International School. (6437 3344, community@3einternationalschool.org)

October Events

Yosemite Chic, Oct 30
Yosemite Chic Bazaar combines top local designers and charities. From on-trend fashion, elegant cashmere, sassy jewelry, and gorgeous clothes, there’s something for everyone. West Hair Salon will be offering free hair styling, consultations and neck, and shoulder massages. Adults. Free admission. 10am-4pm. Yosemite Villas.

Mindfulness 101, Oct 31
Join Taozi Tree Yoga for an introduction to mindfulness with Erin Lee, the co-founder of The Mind Body Project. Learn the basics of neuroscience and contemplative practice as they relate to self-care, creativity, motivation and human connection. Participants will practice the basics of breath work, movement, intention setting, and mindful communication. Please wear comfortable clothing. Adults. RMB 350. 6.30-9.30pm. A.C. Embassy Hotel.

School Open Days

HoK Xinglong Campus Family Day, Nov 10
House of Knowledge holds a Family Day at their new kindergarten campus in Xinglong Park on November 10, offering families an opportunity to view the campus and get a feel for their learning practices. All ages. Free but registration required. 9.30-11.30am. House of Knowledge Xinglong Campus. (400 650 7747, admissions@hokschools.com)

Hello Future Kindergarten Open House, Nov 17
Hello Future Kindergarten welcomes families of children aged up to 6 to tour the campus and learn more about the philosophy and the programs available for children from 5 to 6 months old. All ages. Free but registration needed. 9.30-11.30am. Hello Future Kindergarten. (130 7116 2353, beclamb@yahoo.com)

Harrow Beijing City Campus Open Morning, Nov 21
Come and experience Harrow Beijing in action! Parents of Early Years pupils will have an opportunity to tour the school’s facilities, meet their educators, and learn about the Harrow pedagogy. Adults. Free but reservation is needed as spots are limited. 8.30-11.30am. Harrow Beijing City Campus. (6444 8100, cityadmissions@harrowbeijing.cn)

YCIS Beijing Open Day, Nov 27
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) Co-Principals will introduce the school’s Co-Leadership and Co-Teaching model, and parents will learn about the benefits of its bilingual program and teaching methods designed to prepare students for the changes and challenges of their generation. All ages. 9-11am. Yew Chung International School of Beijing. (8585 1836, enquiry@bj.ycef.com)

ISB Middle & High School Open House, Nov 29
The International School of Beijing (ISB) invites prospective parents and students of middle school (Grades 6-8) and high school (Grades 9-12) to learn about their curriculum, meet school officials, learn more about their high school and college guidance programs, hear first-hand accounts from their student panel, and tour the campus following each divisional discussion. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. 8.45am-noon. International School of Beijing. (8149 2345 ext. 1047, admission@isb.bj.edu.cn)

3e International School Open House (Elementary), Nov 30
3e International School invites parents to experience the school’s bilingual dual immersion Elementary program. They can tour the campus and get an overview of the Grades 1-6 bilingual program and curriculum. Adults. Free. 9.30-11.30am. 3e International School. (6437 3344, info@3einternationalschool.org)

Photos: Courtesy of Chi Fan for Charity and featured event organizers